CLOSING SEGMENT OF THE HIGH-LEVEL EVENT ON UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE

– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

23 September 2019

Heads of State and Government,

Director-General of WHO

Ms. Melinda Gates

Excellencies

Distinguished Participants

I wish to thank you all for your overwhelming participation throughout this high-level meeting. The number of inscribed delegations is a testament to the recognition of the importance of universal health coverage to us all.

The panel discussions have been substantive and insightful. Throughout the day, speakers discussed the centrality of universal health coverage for productivity, economic growth and reduction of poverty and the achievements of the SDGs in all countries.

Details of the argument and the facts provided to arrive at this conclusion will be made available in the Summary that will be circulated in due course.

I have invited three representatives for this Closing Segment, each of whom has demonstrated outstanding leadership on this issue of universal health coverage.

Thank you.